ABIA: What I'll Achieve As Eze Aro - Prince Eberechukwu Oji Reveals, Speaks On Stool Crisis

Prince Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro designate of Arochukwu kingdom in Arochukwu Local government Area of Abia State, has assured that under his leadership, the past influential glory of Aro kingdom would be restored.

The 50-year-old monarch while speaking to newsmen, also assured that he would promote the economic culture of Arochukwu, place the Kingdom on world map to gain global recognition.

He noted that despite being based abroad, he is deep rooted in Arochukwu and his base would not affect his expected functions as the Eze Aro of Arochukwu kingdom.

[caption id="attachment_172811" align="alignnone" width="683"] Prince Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro designate of Arochukwu kingdom in Arochukwu Local government Area of Abia State[/caption]

Asked how he plans to marry his Christian belief and the traditional customs of his people being a pastor of the Redeemed Christian church of God and a custodian of the cultures and traditions of Arochukwu kingdom, Oji said;

"I am Eze Aro for all Aro peoole not just for Christians . I do not believe that God is sending me to go and scatter everything. God is sending me to be the light , provide direction, be a role model to all Arochukwu people".

He added;

"We have to separate preserving our culture from individual's personal convictions and faith . There is no conflict between being a true born Aro son who supports and promote Aro cultures from our religion as individuals".

Speaking on the crisis that rocked the stool-ship of the Eze Aro after the selection process, the Eze Aro designate explained that the natural selection process of the Eze Aro which recognises the eldest person (Okpara Ezi) in the royal family, is not in contest, however, a motion was moved by the young princes of the royal family for the elders to delegate the younger ones to serve in the place of the elders as Eze Aro whilst under their tutorship so as to measure up with modern trends.

"Following the trend and our aspiration as young people who has seen what is going on, that this culture is not serving us, we asked the elders that if it is possible, they should delegate us to play the role of Eze Aro on their behalves while they are still alive and they will be guiding us so that we will present to Aro, young and vibrant Eze Aro that matches what we have in Olu of Warri, Olu of Ife and many other countries" Oji stated.

He noted that the approach to the elders was only to seek for the modification of Aro culture to create room for the younger ones.

After the elders accepted the request, Oji emerged Eze Aro after undergoing screening by the Oke nnachi committee alongside another candidate, Goody Kanu.

[caption id="attachment_172812" align="alignnone" width="683"] Prince Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro designate of Arochukwu kingdom in Arochukwu Local government Area of Abia State[/caption]

According to Oji, five of the committee members selected him whereas two opted for Kanu.

He noted that Kanu rejected the result and stormed out of the room and got another person (Eze Ibom Isii of Aro ) to crown him.

The Eze Aro designate clarified that custom demands for the presentation of the Eze Aro designate to the three clans of Oke nnachi and performance of the traditional rites before the ceremonial presentation of the Eze Aro designate to the entire Aro community where the Eze Ibom Isii si would ceremoniously crown the Eze Aro if need be.

"I was peacefully presented to the three clans as the new Eze Aro" he added.

He noted that though the Eze Ibom Isii is obligated to crown the new Eze Aro, however, he lacks the power to select who becomes the Eze Aro .

"As far as Aro customs and traditions are concerned, this matter has been put to rest. I am the new Eze Aro of Arochukwu kingdom " Oji added.

Meanwhile, the Eze Ibom Isii has been suspended by the Abia state government through a letter signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu.

His actions have also been declared illegal by the Oke nnachi Aro.

Prince Eberechukwu Oji will be coronated as the new Eze Aro of Arochukwu kingdom on December 26, 2023.

[caption id="attachment_172813" align="alignnone" width="683"] Prince Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro designate of Arochukwu kingdom in Arochukwu Local government Area of Abia State[/caption]